Aperol Spritz: my favorite Summer drink

Aperol spritz is one of my favorites drinks – specially during summer time! Plus it brings me amazing memories of my summer vacation in Italy! A proper Aperol spritz tastes like summertime and looks like a golden orange sunset (I love this)!

What is Aperol Spritz

Aperol is a bright orange, light and refreshing Italian apéritif cocktail with a right balance of bittersweet (sweet and bitter) and a light tang of herbs with 11% of alcohol content. The Prosecco or Champagne gives it sparkle and the soda water refreshes it.

The brand describes the flavors as, “zesty orange with complex herbal scents harmonized with a touch of vanilla.” (Look for Aperol near the liqueurs or amaros at the liquor store)

How to make the best Aperol spritz

Choose a good prosecco: you can choose a dry prosecco if you prefer less sweet notes on your cocktail. Good choices range from 15 to 20 dollars. I personally prefer the dry ones with a touch of fruit or flower. One of my favorites is Freixenet Prosecco DOC with delicate notes of flowers and apple.

Make sure that the Aperol, the Prosecco and the club soda are chilled.
I personally prefer the club soda and tonic water with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives – sparkling water will work too)

Don’t forget the orange! You could skip it, but an orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol spritz (and will make it picture perfect) and bring a touch of fresh citric aroma to the drink.

Ingredients

This is a really simple and easy cocktail to make that requires only 4 ingredients + ice.

1. Aperol ( 2 oz – 60 ml) chilled if possible

2. Prosecco or champagne (3 oz – 90 ml) chilled if possible

3. Club soda, tonic water or sparkling water ( 2 oz – 60 ml) chilled if possible

4. Slices of fresh orange or blood orange, for garnishing

Steps

1. Add some ice cubes to a wine glass, after that add the club soda, the Aperol and the prosecco and stir.
2. to a final touch, garnish with orange slice (s).

Make sure you leave some room for adjustments: if you like it less bitter, use less Aperol. Want it with a little more kick? bump up the Prosecco!

Don’t hesitate to try to make your own Aperol spritz drink. And don’t pass on the chance to order one (or two) when available in a bar or restaurant! It’s definitely better in a sunny day with a great view of the water ;D

Cheers!

Xx,
Day